CRAFTED - A Haven for Local Makers & Artisans at The Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
The Port of Los Angeles is located about 5 miles away from the Port of Long Beach and welcomes all cruise lines except Carnival and Princess, who makes the Long Beach port its home. Cruise lines that dock in LA include Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Oceania and more. I only had one day to explore shopping near the port. So, while I was disappointed that I couldn’t get to the “heart” of LA’s artistic districts on this trip, I knew I would be back in port another day. For this trip, I focused my shopping exploration on a truly unique retail destination located very close to the port. I had heard that there was a renovated warehouse that showcases an unparalleled collection of Things designed and handmade by local artisans and makers called CRAFTED at The Port of LA.
Holland America Ship Docked at The Port of Los Angeles
Located in a fully restored 1940’s-era warehouse, this retail experience is home to over 135 artists, makers and craftspeople, who display their Things in over 45 shops, galleries and vignettes spread throughout the building. There’s even a craft brewery with a tasting room and beer garden located right next door called Brouwerij West.
At CRAFTED, visitors will find an outstanding array of locally made fashion, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, leather, home décor, bath and beauty products, stationery, art and more. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of these creative designers and artisans.
MT Mixed Media Arts
Artists Morgan and Todd started making Things in their garage before building a home studio in which to create metal, concrete, wood and glass home décor, furniture and functional vessels. The colorful glass garden sculptures and art would be a beautiful addition to any outdoor landscape. Some of the featured pieces are made by local friends and sometimes even their kids! MT Mixed Media Arts
88 Kitty
Mother/daughter duo Karn and Pria Maineri started creating artisanal soaps, candles and bath bombs in their kitchen before expanding to their Los Angeles studio. All products are handmade, vegan and smell delightful! The two ladies also name each of their fragrances with “tongue in cheek” phrases that capture the fragrance’s spirit. Two of my favorites were the Temper Tantrum Bath Bomb and Literally Every Guy From The 80’s candle. 88 Kitty
Zia Finds
A global mercantile, Zia Finds is a beautifully merchandised space featuring local as well as international designers and artisans. Authenticity and sustainability drives owner Donna Humphry’s purpose, so the collection features original and vintage clothing, household goods, garden décor and so much more! There is even a Camp Zia filled with retro and classic toys, books and games for kids. Zia Finds
The Vintage Stop
Owner/designer Kelly Reid is a delightful woman who has designed and sold replicas of classic home décor as well as her own original designs and custom upholstery work for more than 20 years. She is a master upholsterer and textiles are her passion. Kelly informed me that she has “thousands” of bolts of vintage fabrics in storage! She carries original and reprint barkcloth fabrics and sputnik lamps. Being near Hollywood, some of Kelly’s pillows and furniture have even been featured in movies and television shows such as Mad Men! You’ll love Kelly’s awesome collection and display of vintage Singer sewing machines, that look just like the one from the early 1900’s that my mother and aunt used when I was growing up. Kelly also offers classes in servicing and sewing with these vintage machines. The Vintage Stop
Diva Beads
Tish Pollack is the amazing designer/owner of Diva Beads, who has also authored a book called The Essential Guide to Epic Jewelry Design. Using only the finest materials from around the globe, Tish creates unique, colorful designs inspired by treasure of the sea and ancient artifacts. Many of her pieces feature mermaids, ocean creatures and spiritual and folkloric symbols. Each piece is unique and hand-crafted by Tish onsite where she also demonstrates bead weaving, a technique used to create intricate patterns with seed beads and crystals. Tish offers customized jewelry designs, often incorporating her customers’ family keepsakes so they can be worn and cherished for future generations. Diva Beads
Homemade by The Hays
This locally-owned, family-run business features small batch, hand poured artisan candles designed in unique shapes and refillable vessels. Each candle is made from 100% soy wax and toxin free fragrances blended with essential oils. They smell divine! @homemadebythehays
San Pedro Saddle Co.
Designer and artisan Billly Price creates hand-crafted leather goods and accessories, including weekender bags, belts, wallets, leashes, bike leather, gun holsters and accessories. He specializes in custom and semi-custom designs. Billy’s working studio is onsite, where visitors can watch him cut, sew and trim his remarkable leather designs. San Pedro Saddle Co.
Adewole Arts
This gallery and working studio features handmade pottery inspired by the traditional clay work of African women and heavily influenced by California beaches and design. Artist April Adewole plays with colors in her textile and ceramic art pieces that include dinnerware, home décor, ceramic jewelry and more. Across from the gallery is her Kitchen Studio where she creates her remarkable, vibrant designs, and also shares her love of clay and fused glass by hosting public classes. Adewole Arts
San Pedro Art Association Gallery
One of the largest and most impressive areas in CRAFTED is hosted by the San Pedro Art Association (SPAA). The Gallery showcases over 35 local artists that specialize in a wide range of crafts such as 3D printed artwork designs and sculptures, functional and artistic ceramics, fiber art including crocheted, knitted and felted apparel, handbags, hats and toys, hand-crafted jewelry, organic art comprised of natural elements such as driftwood designs and printed stones, paintings in all mediums, paper art including journals, greeting cards and postcards, repurposed and vintage art, handcrafted functional and decorative woodwork and furniture, and photography. San Pedro Art Association
One of the outstanding artists I saw in the SPAA gallery was Renee Grinnell, who is a master at underwater photography. She was recognized as the Underwater Photographer of the Year in 2021. Since 2004, Renee has traveled around the globe, diving in some of the most remote parts of the world, photographing marine organisms and mammals. Her images are available as prints on dye-infused aluminum, which offers a unique, luminous appearance and retains archival quality. Beneath The Surface Imaging
In addition to these creative artisans, there are scores more to explore at CRAFTED. From live plants to cute dog supplies and resin art to unique shadow boxes and lots of fabulous one-of-a-kind jewelry and apparel. Be sure to add CRAFTED to your itinerary the next time you are in San Pedro.
Also, a heads up! Stay tuned for the exciting development of the Port of West Harbor, where 150,000 square feet of restaurants, retail and entertainment will be available to visitors. Many of the CRAFTED artists will be showcased there in the future as well! Port of West Harbor
The next port I’ll visit in my quest for creative, unique and distinctive Things will be the colorful, artistic and breathtaking seaport of Santa Barbara, home to fine art as well as the popular Funk Zone artists community.
Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!
CHEERS!
